general problems of the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage

11 problems related to vehicle speed control have been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2014

While driving down highway when approximatly at 55mph engine will stall. Slow down and stop without warning. Most of the time I can turn engine off restart run it thru all of the gears and it will be fine for awhile unless on bumpy road or stop warning bumps in the road. I can not fill gas tank up due to it leaking out under vehicle refrase that pour out. It will also viberate really bad after being drove for over 2 hours straight. Please help me to resolve these problems before it causes a injury or death.

2 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2003

Consumer is having trouble with vehicle stalling when accelerating, and loss of power while driving. Had taken vehicle to the dealer, but they would not repair it under the recall because they problem was still being investigated.

3 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2001

While driving at 10-15 mph, front of the vehicle was hit and none of the air bags deployed. Contacted dealer. Consumer adds the brakes failed. The transmission failed. Experiencing problems with the accelerator.

4 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/11/1999

Check engine light came on. Needs new egr kit (controls emissions mix). 6/99 experienced engine racing on ignition, high idle at stops, engine surges at all speeds. Then check engine light came on. Happened first 6/98. They tightened terminal connections. Second time 7/98 - adjusted c123 & c124 access connections. Third time 5/99 replacing egr kit - awaiting part. Service performed by maita olds, 2211 fulton Ave. , sacramento, CA 95825.

5 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/24/1999

Engine check light is on, the car is stalling, the air bag lights are on. I am afraid that they will deploy at any given time. Almost killed myself and my daughter on the queenboro bridge, I was going 40 and all of a sudden the car accelerated on it's own, I applied the brakes, but they had turned hard, I had no brakes, put emergency brakes, but nothing, when it was nearing an accident because I had to stop I threw the car in neutral which slowed it down enough for me to safely put it in park in the middle of a bridge. The cars engine roared when I put in park I couldn't move or fear of killing myself. The locks on the car keep opening and closing by themself. It needs 2 quarts of engine oil every month. I am totally dissatisfied with this car.

6 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/24/1998

Engine check light comes on. Vehicle surges and bucks. A hold light is flashing which means there is a problem with the transmission.

7 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/02/1998

Consumer complained of vehicle idling too high. Whenever consumer takes the foot off brake pedal the vehicle would take off between 15-25 mph without pressing the accelerator pedal. Dealer notified and nothing has been done to correctthe problem.

8 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/15/1997

Coming to a stop sign, applied brakes and the clutch, vehicle accelerated by itself, lost control, ended up hitting 3 trees and then a house head-on. Driver's air bag did not deploy, sustained chest injuries.

9 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/02/1997

Vehicle would jerk. Engine check light kept coming on. Vehcle would overheat & fail to start. Also, vehicle had revved while at stop light due to fast idle . The ported passage hole was too small. It needed to be wider according to mechanic. Driveshaft broke twice in last 6 months.

10 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Problem arises when shifting gears or coasting to a stop with clutch depressed. The engine rpm's will rise to very high levels and not return to idle conditions. Problem occurs intermittently and without warning.

11 Vehicle Speed Control problem

When putting vehicle into reverse and letting up on the clutch vehicle accelereated into reverse and ran over a mailbox. Driver had pushed clutch and brake in order to stop. Engine still ran high.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage


Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations